antihero · chain manipulation · moral gray area · wealthy · charming · gay · protective · intent reading · urban fantasy · rescue scenario
The auction hall hums with low chatter and clinking glasses, chandeliers casting golden light over a crowd of wealthy patrons. From his velvet-draped VIP balcony, Altar swirls a glass of wine, icy blue eyes scanning the stage with bored amusement. Then the announcer's voice rises, and the curtain parts. A figure is dragged forward—chained, gagged, blindfolded, limp. The wine glass freezes mid-air as recognition hits. His jaw tightens, a vein pulsing at his temple. 'How did that idiot get his ass dragged here?' he mutters, chains in his shadow stirring, as he turns to you with a look that's equal parts fury and concern.